Mapping the Invisible – My Conversation on Systems Thinking and Mental Healthcare

I’m excited to share that I recently joined Shawn Hung on the HappenUs podcast for an interesting conversation titled “Mapping the Invisible: How Systems Thinking Can Transform Mental Healthcare.”

We delved into the complex, dynamic nature of youth mental health systems and explored how systems modelling—specifically, participatory system dynamics modelling—can help recognise hidden patterns and identify meaningful points of intervention.

Using the metaphor of navigation and map apps we use every day to reach our destinations, I explained how we built the system dynamics model to help policymakers and communities better navigate the youth mental health landscape—highlighting what might lie ahead and where to turn for the best outcomes.

This research project is part of the Right Care, First Time, Where You Live program, led by the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney and funded by the BHP Foundation. We uses data-driven, place-based, and co-designed approaches to help local communities respond more effectively to the evolving mental health needs of the young people. The program, led by the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney and funded by the BHP Foundation, is creating space for collaboration between policymakers, service providers, and most importantly, young people with lived experience. By actively involving youth and communities, these models don’t just represent the system—they reflect the real voices and experiences within it.

We also reflected on how participatory systems modelling turns abstract complexity into actionable insight, fosters cross-sector understanding, and supports advocacy and real-world decision-making.

🎧 Listen to My Conversation on Systems Thinking and Mental Healthcare

Thanks to Shawn for the thoughtful questions, and to A/Professor Jo-An Occhipinti for the introduction and for her leadership and continued support of this program.